Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Duluth, MN: $35.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Duluth, MN runs $35.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,839 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Duluth's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Duluth, Minnesota, the projected hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants stands at $35.50, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly compensation reflects the variety of settings where COTAs operate, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school environments, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those considering part-time positions—typically around three days a week—this rate translates into viable earnings for individuals seeking a balanced work-life dynamic. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $24.02, while seasoned professionals in Duluth might see rates approaching $42.81 per hour. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, providing a snapshot of earning potential based on regional trends in occupational therapy.
About the Duluth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.02 | $192.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.21 | $249.70 |
| Median (P50) | $35.50 | $284.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.26 | $306.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.81 | $342.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Duluth
Based on $35.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.50/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Duluth, MN can expect to earn approximately $73,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,600. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Duluth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Duluth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,420.01 | $6,153 | $73,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $852.01 | $3,692 | $44,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.00 | $2,461 | $29,536 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Duluth) | $35.50 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Duluth, MN earn a median of $73,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% above the Minnesota state average of $73,253.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.50/hr = $44,304/year (purchasing power: $44,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,841/year (purchasing power: $74,965).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Duluth grew 17.5% from $29.38/hr (2019) to $34.53/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.50/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Duluth
For professionals weighing the pros and cons of part-time versus full-time positions, the financial landscape reveals distinct outcomes. A part-time occupational therapy assistant working approximately 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $44,184 annually, which presents a considerable difference compared to a full-time position. Alternatively, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Duluth tends to fluctuate between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering additional financial incentives. Those employed in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may find themselves negotiating for premium pay, especially in light of recent reimbursement cuts affecting Medicare. While some COTAs opt for positions with lower hourly rates for the sake of benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without benefits, resulting in important trade-offs. In this evolving field, savvy negotiation is crucial; research local employers, understand compensation trends, and be prepared to articulate your unique value as a professional in Duluth, MN.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Duluth in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Duluth?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Duluth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Duluth?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Duluth?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Duluth. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Duluth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov